“There’s a lot of good date opportunities in Santa Cruz,” said Chris, a 23-year-old bartender who asked that his last name be withheld so he could describe why Surf City might be more aptly nicknamed Singles City.

“I mean, going to the beach is always fun, going on a picnic. There’s going to the Redwoods. Nisene Marks State Park is close by. Taking a girl out to just go surf, that’s always an adventure,” he said.

KCBS’ Matt Bigler Reports:

Only Ann Arbor, Michigan and Bloomington, Illinois have it better, at least the way Kiplinger sees it. More than half the population is unmarried, according to the magazine, with 6 percent more single men than women.

The ratio was not so important to Christa, who said she liked how the mix of surfers and college students was “generally pretty accepting of things that are normally considered not normal.”

The self-described queer, feminist, vegetarian said she found it much easier to find dates in the small town vibe of Santa Cruz than in San Francisco.

“In fact, I’m going to go on a date right now with a lovely woman. That’s why I’m here,” she said.

And surfing was not on the agenda. Instead Verve Coffee Roasters, a crepe and a stroll at Seabright Beach were how she planned to spend the day.

Chris and Christa both agreed Santa Cruz’s abundant access to nature and its friendly atmosphere made the city a special place that everyone should experience at least once.

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